Primary Arms

Posts Tagged ‘BAE’

PEO Soldier Unveils Prototype Optics

Thursday, July 23rd, 2015

This image, just released by PEO Soldier’ Program Manager for Soldier Sensors and Lasers, depicts prototype versions of the upcoming AN/PSQ-20 Enhanced Night Vision Goggle (mounted to helmet) and the Family of Weapon Sights – Individual (mounted to carbine).
  

The ENVG III fuses Image Intensification night vision with thermal vision while the FWS-I is a stand alone or clip on thermal sight for the M4, M16 and M249.  

What is extraordinary about these two pieces of equipment is that the FWS-I can “talk” to the ENVG III. The reticle image is wirelessly transmitted to the ENVG III and appears on the display. This facilitates Rapid Target Acquisition allowing the Soldier to see where his weapon is pointed and even engage targets off axis.  

While both BAE and DRS are developing a FWS-I and ENVG III product, thid photo shows prototype samples from BAE’s FWS-I and DRS’ ENVG III. Production models may differ slightly. Additionally, versions of each device may look slightly different depending on vendor.  However, they will all function the same and be fully compatible.

For more details on these two new technologies, read our full story.

DuPont Buys Tensylon from BAE and Invests in Nanocomp

Sunday, June 10th, 2012

On Friday, BAE announced DuPont’s intent to purchase the Tensylon unit from them for $18 million in cash. Tensylon is a ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene ballistic material used in vehicle armor applications. BAE said it expected the sale to close in the third quarter of 2012.

Additionally, BAE is forming a financial and strategic development relationship with Nanocomp Technologies, Inc by making a minority share investment in the Nano Carbon Tube developer. NCTs have a wide variety of applications but in particular have shown great promise in armor use. Under terms of the deal, DuPont gains exclusive rights to Nanocomp developed technologies for use in armor protection and aerospace structures.

BAE Systems Ultra Lightweight Warrior

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010

BAE Systems has developed a new equipment ensemble that sheds 35% of the weight burden carried by current Soldiers. ULW focuses on five key product areas including helmet, vest/soft body armor, armor plates, load carrying equipment, and an integrated power supply.

“What ULW provides to the armed forces is options,” said Sean Martin, Business Development Director for BAE Systems’ Personnel Protection Systems business. “ULW is a flexible, modular soldier equipment platform that can be modified a number of ways, and provides multiple mission-specific options. Its ergonomic design features new, lighter weight advanced materials, which provide greater comfort and needed mobility without sacrificing protection.”

In addition to lightweight versions of the Advanced Combat Helmet and body armor systems, ULW offers something that current equipment does not; the “Integrated Power System”, a wearable power supply that is conformal in shape to the armor plates. Additionally, the recharge system is compatible with both NATO standard 28 VDC slave cables as well as 110/120 VAC shore power.

The ULW system is on display at both Eurostatory and SOFIC. If you are in Tampa, be sure to drop by their booth #1515 to check out not only ULW but also BAE is unveiling the Sentinel off-road patrol vehicle.

BAE Awarded Contract for Airborne Rucksacks

Thursday, April 22nd, 2010

Natick has awarded BAE a contract for a unspecified number of Large Airborne MOLLE rucks. The packs which will be delivered in Coyote, will undergo testing by the US Marine Corps. The airborne pack is a modified version of the Large MOLLE intended for use by parachutists While no quantity of packs was specified in the award the number will be low as they are being used for testing and not fielding.

Details of the award can be found here.

MultiCam MOLLE Contracts Awarded

Sunday, April 11th, 2010

The Department of Defense announced these two awards on 9 April, 2010.

BAE Systems Specialty Group, Inc., Jessup, Pa., was awarded on April 1 a $10,590,131 firm-fixed-price contract for modular lightweight load-carrying equipment in the color MultiCam. Work is to be performed in Jessup, Pa., with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Research Development & Engineering Command, Natick Contracting Division, Natick, Mass., is the contracting activity (W911QY-06-D-0003).

Eagle Industries Del Caribe, Lares, Puerto Rico, was awarded on April 1 a $6,809,867 firm-fixed-price contract for modular lightweight load-carrying equipment in the color MultiCam. Work is to be performed in Lares, Puerto Rico, with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Research Development & Engineering Command, Natick Contracting Division, Natick, Mass., is the contracting activity (W911QY-06-D-0004).

These awards signal some forward momentum on the MultiCam fielding as well as the return of Eagle to MOLLE production since they closed the Michael Bianco plant last summer.

SOCOM is Looking for a New Helmet

Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010

Program Manager, Special Operations Forces Survival, Support and Equipment Systems (PM SOF-SSES) has released a pre-solicitation for a “non-commercial, non-developmental Modular Integrated Communication Helmet (MICH) Product Improved Helmet, Type I Ballistic System”.

Requirements include “The Type I MICH-BALLISTIC meets or exceeds all of the current MICH helmet requirements with the added benefit of lighter weight and flexible configuration.” Please note the term “flexible”. This is a level of modularity not available on the legacy MICH and screams FAST helmet from Ops-Core or AIRFRAME helmet from Crye Precision although I am sure BAE will have something to throw at this based on their recent work on the Enhanced Combat Helmet combined with Corona.

Ops-Core Ballistic FAST Helmet

Crye Precision AIRFRAME with Chops

BAE's Corona

The pre-solicitation closes 16 March, 2010 with a full and open solicitation to follow later this year.

BAE to Produce MultiCam MOLLE for Afghanistan Camo Test

Thursday, September 24th, 2009

The Army has issued a Purchase order for the production of MOLLE systems in MultiCam in anticipation of the upcoming camouflage tests in Afghanistan. It seems that this train is on its way.

More BAE Goodness

Monday, October 13th, 2008

BAE unveiled their Integrated Warrior System at AUSA.

BAE Soldier System

We recently posted some pictures of their low viz plate carrier. For the IWS the low viz carrier is paired with a plate carrier. The low viz carrier features rifle magazine pouches of Tweave along the cummerbund. It has also been upgraded with some hypalon on the shoulders. It corresponds with hypalon on the inner shoulder area of the plate carrier to lock it in place. The plate carrier reminds me of the old Interim Small Arms Protective Overvest (ISAPO) for the PASGT vest. No extraneous material, just a plate carrier designed to enhance the protection level of the armor.

BAE Low Viz Carrier and Plate Carrier

The plates in the carrier feature a film that acts as a battery. Defense News gave some great coverage of the plates last week.